How to wear white jeans . . . and not look like Liz Hurley
WHITE trousers: two little words that strike fear into even the most experienced fashion professional.
When I throw the topic out to my colleagues the response is unanimous: they’re not just this season’s trickiest trend, but a fashion statement loaded with all the wrong connotations.
One colleague who is glamorous and blessed with slender legs and waistline, won’t wear them to the office for fear of being accused of ‘doing a Liz Hurley, circa 1990’.
Another tells me, ‘ they’re the ultimate yummy-mummy cliche’. Someone else pipes up: ‘ My idea of fashion hell, as in “does my bum look big in these?” Yes, it does.’ And another worries about their lack of practicality: ‘I’m clumsy, they would look grubby in minutes.’
Then there’s knickers. My own white trouser attempts ended abruptly after too many comments (from strangers) on my polka-dot M&S briefs. A novice fashion fail.
But there’s no getting away from them. Googling ‘celebrities in white trousers’ confirms they have become every It girl’s signature uniform: bright white ’n’ tight, worn with giant bug- eyed shades, statement heels and super-glossed hair.
These creatures look great, but they’re all 20, with toned thighs and impressively defined six packs. Is it possible for mere mortals to carry off the look? Yes, if you bear a few crucial rules in mind.
First, white trousers do not have to look sprayed- on. There are plenty of options, from skinny jean to wafting flare, cropped to floor-sweeping.
And it’s simple body maths. Those with a petite frame should stick to styles cut as close to the body as possible, while the tall can carry off full-legged flares.
The thread running through this season’s cuts is the return of the waist ( rather than trousers that sit on the hips). This is a blessing, particularly with the corseting effect of stretch denim — like in-built Spanx.
For a crop with a slight flare, try the pair for £29.99 ( zara.
com). Fans of a more tailored look might like the Maddie Pant (£108, jcrew.com), while the suit poplin trousers (£59.99,
mango.com) and the wide-leg trousers (£24.99, newlook.com) are worth noting. Do think about shoes. To avoid a Liz Hurley/yummy mummy effect,
never wear with cork platforms or a wedge.
I think a ballet pump or slide ( backless loafer) looks perennially good, as well as a tan sandal or a box- fresh trainer for a more casual look.
As for the statement shoe, why not try bright red heels or simple stiletto-heeled courts?
For an evening look, you can’t go far wrong with a bold black tunic on top.
And I must tell you about my favourite shirt trick: or how to avoid the refrain ‘does my bum look big in this?’
Buy your shirt one size larger than usual so it’s longer and fuller in the body. Tuck just the middle front into your trews, letting the rest casually fall at the sides and flow over your behind. It’s the most chic bum concealer.
The catwalks have also thrown up some boundarypushing ideas for white trousers. Stella McCartney made them with a paperbag-waist — a drawstring designed to pleat around the middle;
Celine’s creative director Phoebe Philo, the Pied Piper when it comes to instigating new trends, served up a white trouser suit with swishy black floral hems. It shouldn’t work but it does.
The point is this: none of the above is easy, but if you’re going to play the white trouser game, why not gamble just a little and win big? I, for one, will not be playing it safe.
Now to find some decent nude knickers. Rebecca Lowthorpe is fashion director of Grazia